GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 17.2 - Class::Quarter

"Sit," he insisted, pulling the tray closer. He took one of the rolls of bread and held it out to her. "Here, take this. There's enough for both of us. No point in you working on an empty stomach."

Hileya's lips parted slightly in surprise before she gave a small nod. Reluctantly, she sank into the chair across from him and accepted the bread. "Thank you, young master," she murmured, though the slightest blush colored her pale cheeks.

As Hileya nibbled at the bread, Vel's mind wandered to Celia. He picked at the edge of his porridge, wondering. "What about Celia?" he asked aloud, mostly to himself. "Do you think she has the same setup where she's staying, or does she have to spend her own money for things like this?"

Hileya paused mid-bite, tilting her head as if considering the question. "Miss Celia's accommodations are shared, are they not? It may depend on the arrangements her dormitory provides."

Vel frowned slightly. "I'll have to check on her. It doesn't seem fair if they expect her to manage everything herself."

Hileya resumed eating, her gaze fixed thoughtfully on Vel, but she said nothing more.

Vel stepped out of his room, eager to make the most of the day. He aimed to explore Lona, acclimate to his new surroundings, gather information about the Academy, and prepare for the entrance exam tomorrow.

Hileya followed a few steps behind as they walked down the corridor linking his quarters to a spacious common room, which led to other accommodations. A wide staircase descended to the hall below.

"I should probably visit the Academy grounds today," Vel said, half to himself. "Get a feel for the place before the actual exam."

Hileya nodded. "A wise decision, young master."

They descended the stairs and crossed the main hall, morning light streaming through tall windows onto the polished floors. Vel opened the heavy front door and stepped into the yard.

The morning sun bathed the courtyard in golden light. Several other tenants had gathered around stone benches scattered across the yard. Some were reading books or scrolls with intense concentration, while others practiced movement patterns with wooden swords or—

Vel paused, his attention caught by a young woman tracing patterns in the air with a slender wand. The device looked more like a miniature staff than a simple stick—polished wood wrapped with thin silver wire that spiraled toward the tip, where a small crystal was mounted in delicate metal prongs. As she moved it, faint trails of blue light followed the crystal's path.

Wands... Vel thought suddenly. Up to this point, he had been casting magic without a focus object of any kind. Would he need one for the Academy? Back in the game, it was common for mages to use wands or staffs to channel their magic more efficiently.

"Let's go find Celia," Vel said decisively, turning to Hileya. Then he paused, realizing he had no idea where to begin looking. The merchant lodgings were vast, with multiple buildings spread across.

"If only I knew where to start."

Half an hour later, after a few wrong turns and stops to ask directions from various caretakers, Vel and Hileya finally emerged into a sunlit fountain square at the center of the west wing. The space was alive with activity—residents lounging on stone benches, chatting in small groups, or reading alone beneath the shade of potted trees.

"There she is," Vel said, spotting a familiar figure seated at the fountain's edge.

"Finally," she said, a smile brightening her face. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten where I was staying."